Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) are a significant public health concern for India. Around 22 crore Indian children aged 1-14 are estimated to be at risk of worm infections. Worms in children interfere with nutrient uptake, and can contribute to anaemia, malnourishment, and impaired mental and physical development. To combat this issue, in 2015 the Government of India launched the fixed-day Anganwadi and school-based National Deworming Day to deworm all children aged 1-19 years. The National Deworming Day is conducted in all states/UTs in 2 rounds – 1st round on February 10 followed by 2nd round on 10 August every year

The objective of National Deworming Day is to deworm all preschool and school-age children (enrolled and non-enrolled) between the ages of 1-19 years through the platform of schools and Anganwadi Centers in order to improve their overall health, nutritional status, access to education and quality of life.